By joshua ENGR. BASHIRU GEGU: KOGI LGA’S RARE BREED OF SERVICE, IMPACT AND PEOPLE-FIRST LEADERSHIP
…How Kogi Solid Minerals Commissioner Is Turning Public Service Into People’s Service
By Abu Micheal.
In the politics of Kogi State, few names resonate with the kind of grassroots goodwill and technocratic precision as Engr. Bashiru Gegu, the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.
To many in Kogi Local Government Area, he is not just a Commissioner. He is described as “a phenomenon” — a rare breed of politician whose positive impacts have redefined what leadership should look like at the grassroots.
From infrastructure support to youth empowerment, and from community engagement to resource governance, Engr. Gegu has carved a niche as a leader who combines technical expertise with deep human touch.
For the people of Kogi LGA, Engr. Gegu’s emergence represents a shift from politics of promises to politics of presence.
He is regularly in his constituency, listening, intervening, and delivering.
Mallam Suleiman Idris, a community leader in Koton Karfe said: “Engr. Gegu is different. He doesn’t wait for you to come to Lokoja before he hears you. He comes to us. He has touched lives in education, health, and in giving our youths opportunities. We call him a rare breed because he works.”
Mrs. Aisha Momoh, a women leader*, added: “Before now, we only saw Commissioners on TV. But Engr. Gegu sits with market women, with students, with elders. That humility is leadership.”
Governor Ododo in his remarks about Engr. Bashiru, said he is “A TECHNOCRAT WITH A HUMAN FACE”
The impact of Engr. Gegu has not gone unnoticed at the highest level of government.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo described him as one of the technocrats driving his administration’s development agenda.
“Engr. Bashiru Gegu is a perfect example of what we need in public service, capacity, character and compassion. In the solid minerals sector and even beyond, he is delivering results and impacting his people directly. Kogi LGA is blessed to have him,” the Governor stated.
According to former Gov. Yahaya Bello: “HE UNDERSTANDS SERVICE”. The former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who appointed Engr. Gegu, also speaks highly of his protégé. “Bashiru Gegu understands that leadership is service. He is diligent, loyal, and committed to the New Direction ideals. What he is doing in Kogi LGA today is a reflection of that grooming. He is a phenomenon and a pride to our party,” Bello said.
The traditional institution has also thrown its weight behind the Commissioner. His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Saidu Akawu Salihu, the Ohimegye Igu Koton Karfe, described Engr. Gegu as a worthy son of the land. “He has not forgotten where he comes from. He supports our youths, he supports our schools, and he carries the voice of Kogi LGA to government. A leader who remembers his people is a leader that the gods and the people will remember,” the Ohimegye Igu said.
As Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Gegu is also championing the formalization and regulation of mining activities in the state to ensure that host communities benefit.
His approach — engagement before enforcement — has earned him respect among miners, traditional rulers, and investors.
Observers say his dual identity as an Engineer and a grassroots politician gives him the rare ability to speak the language of policy in Lokoja and the language of the people in Koton Karfe.
For many in Kogi LGA, Engr. Bashiru Gegu represents what politics should be: accessible, impactful, and accountable.
Youth leader, Comr. Abdullahi Musa summarized it: “We don’t just see him as Commissioner. We see him as big brother, as mentor, as someone who opened doors for us. That is why we say he is a rare breed.”
As the Ododo administration consolidates, the story of Engr. Bashiru Gegu in Kogi LGA stands out — not because of noise, but because of results. A technocrat, a politician, and above all, a son of the soil who chose to serve.